Up until just a decade ago, Macau was hardly anything but a day long escape for those travelers who wanted to spice up their Hong Kong holiday by visiting the famous floating casino, where a scene of James bond's "The Man with the Golden Gun" was shot, or to watch promiscuous cabaret shows at Hotel Lisboa...
But things are very different nowadays: Improved public security, alongside economic reforms and liberalization of the casino industry have attracted international investors to the former Portuguese colony, and today Macau luxury hotels are in one line with the world's best accommodations.
This article will introduce you to the finest of Macau luxury hotels:
• Hotel Lisboa Macau
Even if the legendary Lisboa may no longer be at the top of Macau's luxury hotels list, it has certainly become one of the city's most famous establishments...
Alongside its very central location, this classy hotel vaunts elegant decor that brings back the romance and magic of bygone colonial days, with heavy chandeliers, filigree handrails and opulent oriental art.
As you may well expect from a Macau luxury hotel, guestrooms are quite large and fairly detailed in terms of design, with nostalgic Chinese furniture and mosaic floor in the bathroom.
As far as facilities go, there is a nice swimming pool, gym, sauna, international class restaurants and, of course, the brilliant cabaret shows and the famous Casino Lisboa for which the hotel is known worldwide...
• Pousada de Sao Tiago
Built within the ramparts of Barra Fort: A 17th century Portuguese stronghold at the southern tip of the Macau Pninsula, Pousada de Sao Tiago is definitely the most characterful of Macau luxury hotels.
All the 24 rooms at this charming boutique hotel are full of ambience and come with antique furniture and balconies overlooking the bay...
The "Pousada" also has a small swimming pool, as well as a pleasant terrace-cafe where you can have your coffee alfresco, and an exceptionally fine restaurant... But most importantly, it has a dedicated team of friendly staff who really make sure their guests feel at home...
If historic boutique hotels are your thing, than staying here is something you should consider... The "Pousada" is not within a convenient walking distance to town, but it's only a short taxi ride, sp no worries about that...
• MGM Grand Macau
The first thing you'll probably notice about this Macau luxury hotel is its extravagant architecture, featuring an uber-modern design that gives a very Sci-fi look to the hotel's building.
Fantastic location on the edge of the city centre, just a short walk from most of Macau's sightseeing sites, casinos and restaurants, is only one of the reasons why this relatively new hotel has become so popular. The second reason, which is even more important, is what the MGM Grand has to offer in terms of comfort and luxury: From large rooms with beautiful views and modern-elegant decor, to a whole range of fabulous amenities, including the very "chic" swimming pool from which you can enjoy great views over Taipa Island.
When it comes to dining, entertainment and nightlife, the Grande Praca is the place where everything happens ... Designed like a Colonial-Portuguese piazza, this sunlit atrium boasts quite a few fantastic restaurants and shops, which means it is possible for you to have a very nice evening out, without actually leaving the hotel...
As you might expect from a luxury hotel in Macau, the MGM Grand also runs its own ritzy casino...
• Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16
The prestigious Sofitel at Ponte 16 is one of the latest newcomers to Macau luxury hotel scene.
Located in a surprising (but very nice) part of town, facing the Inner Harbour waterfront (Porto Interior), the hotel is slightly away from the cluster of luxury hotels around the "casino belt" but within a short walking distance to Almeida Ribeiro, Ruins of St. Paul's, Senado Square and other places of interest within the old part of town...
One of the best things about this luxury hotel is the spacious rooms, that provide gorgeous views of either the Inner Harbour and the town of Zhuhai (in China) or the narrow alleyways of Macau's old town, and are equipped with a whole range of facilities (including a nice set of L'occitane bathing products in every bathroom).
Secondly, the Sofitel is a part of a stylish modern Casino and Entertainment Complex, which means there is a decent range of dining and entertainment options within an elevator ride... Hotel amenities are also fantastic and include a very nice swimming pool with a sundeck facing the Inner Harbour and Zhuhai, as well as a spa, wellness center, well equipped gym and the likes...
Thirdly, and most important of all: The rates at the Sofitel are still quite reasonable when compared to some other Macau luxury hotels of the same caliber...
• Venetian Macau
Some people dislike the Venetian, others adore it - But nobody can ignore it!
Writing an article about Macau luxury hotels without mentioning the Venetian is simply impossible... Occupying one of the biggest hotel buildings on earth, this colossal casino-resort offers more luxury and amenities than many of Macau's leading hotels, alongside a wide choice of dining and entertainment options.
To begin with, the rooms at the Venetian are just incredible, both in terms of size and facilities, and otherwise there are some outstandingly good hotel amenities, as well as an unbelievable selection of restaurants, bars, nightspots and shops at the Venice-style "Grand Canal shoppes"... Not to mention the world's largest casino, which is just an elevator ride away...
Critics, on the other side, argue that what this hotel makes up in amenities, it lacks in character and personal touch... Moreover, quite a few travelers claim that staying in the newly developed area of Cotai (where the Venetian is) is not what they came to Macau for, and that they prefer to book a hotel in town, where they can be within walking distance of Macau's places of interest...
It's impossible to determine who is right or wrong... It depends, first and foremost on who you are and what is your idea of a holiday in Macau... But one thing for sure: If you plan to spend more than just a couple of nights in Macau, staying one night at the Venetian is certainly something you should consider... If not for anything else, than for the ultimate splurge.
0 comments:
Post a Comment